Author: michebella

Hi, welcome to my page. My name is Michelle. I’m a wifey to an amazing and supportive husband Joe and a mother of two. My first born is Allysia Rochelle, age 9 and my son is Jaxson Joseph, age 8. They are 12 months and 2 weeks apart, yes I’m crazy and no it was NOT planned. Lol.
I come from a big family of five, four girls and one boy. So you can imagine the craziness in our house. I had a rough childhood going up with some very traumatic experiences.
These experiences have only made me whom I am today. STRONG - that’s my mom! She’s the strongest woman I know. I look up to her and admire her strength. But that’s a whole new chapter or blog as we say in the future.
Back to the future 👊🏻 My life! I’m a lover of all things fashion, decor, wine and desserts! I’m the proud owner & baker for my business ➕icing_on_top. But most of all, I’m a proud mama of two amazing kids. They are our WORLD. They have amazing personalities, they are smart, funny and athletic. SOCCER ⚽️ 6 DAYS a week in our house. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. You will hear lots more about it.
To make this long story short - I LOVE MY LIFE & the people who are in it. Let’s get this blog started so you can totally start learning all my tricks of the trades, advice and much more.
Cheers loves,
Miche Bella

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

Last week, I was sitting on the couch watching T.V. with the hubby. I noticed a few notifications on Instagram, so I popped it open… and there it was, 10K followers. WOW! Immediately I was overwhelmed and felt instant love pouring through my heart. It wasn’t the fact that, “OMG I have this many followers,” It was more like, “Wow, I’ve reached that many people with my posts, and I’m so thankful for all support I have received.” 10k is just a number but it makes me so pleased and proud of the community we’ve created together. Yes, I said together!

I’m particularly grateful for Instagram since I have been able to connect with people from all over the world. I’ve had some great convo’s with various fashionistas, mamas, local artists that have inspired me and I look forward to meeting them in the near future. I love the fact we can support each other, and share tips + advice.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

Instagram is a creative outlet, a way to post little snippets of your life and share your interests. When I first began this journey I worried that it would impede my life in some way. However, it hasn’t taken over my life but has allowed me to have something of my own. In fact, it grants others to take a peek into my life from my posts and for me to embrace yours. My main objective in all of this is to reach people in a way that genuinely inspires others in relation to fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

A little about my home life…I am blessed with a very supportive husband, he is truly wonderful. When I told him I wanted to start a blog, he was slightly confused. He didn’t understand what it was trying to do and what it meant for our family. Once I started and received inspirational messages, he knew this was my “thing.” He knew in my heart, this is what I passionate about just like my career – my cakes. The night I hit 10k, I could see how happy he was for me. Thank you babe, for all you do for me.

I want to take the time thank my photographer, a.k.a best friend, Heidi from Heidi Stadlinger Photography. This is the key component to making my blog successful, like the peanut butter to my jelly, the salt to my pepper, the yolk to my egg….catch my drift. She has been nothing but 100% supportive of my decision to take this on and she motivates me like no other. Thank you for always taking the most breath taking photos, for helping me with my blog and for always answering my texts at whatever time of the day. You are what best friends are for. Thank you for your passion, it truly shows in your work. #blessed

So I want to dedicate this post to each of you. Thanks for your support and for the love that you show. I am grateful for each of you. Bring on 2018!

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

FYI – the struggle was real trying to take a photo with those balloons. OMG, nightmare – lol! I was very excited to pop them right after, needless to say. 😉

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

The must have rage,” is what sparks Trend vs. Style theories.

These types of theories are what I will be chatting about in this blog post. Truth be told, there is a significant difference between these two// Trend vs. Style. So, let’s learn about my thoughts on this subject. Keep reading.

The nature of trends means they’re only around for a season or if lucky, two. The influence of social media on fashion, means that trends come and go so quickly. You can see the fashion bloggers, influencers, etc., rock these outfits one day and then get rid of them the next. It quickly becomes a fashion statement but just as fast as that trend is in, it’s gonzo’s. With everyone striving for the exact same looks, trendy clothes are just part of the mainstream fashion industry.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

Style is NOT influenced by trends, rather by you. Be yourself. If you wish to be trendy, then you need to change your wardrobe every season according to the wavering trends. Now, I’ll leave that for you to decide. What seems more convenient and practical for your taste and budget?

While stylish people do pay close attention to trends, they don’t exactly copy what they see in social media. In my opinion, stylish people are not afraid to mix designer labels with discount/sale clothing.

Fashion is a lot like art, it gives people the ability to be creative in how they present themselves to the world.

My fashion sense is my own twist on my everyday style. I like to be different, let my own personality shine through, show the world who I really am. LOOK OUT WORLD, here I come! I take great pleasure in showing others what I can come up and how I did it. It takes some thought + effort to pick out my everyday outfit, and that right there, get’s me excited. GEEK? Maybe but I’ve always loved Fashion + Beauty since I can remember. I used to design my own outfits, and get my mom to sew them for me. Thanks Mama Phyllis.

Putting your own personal stamp on fashion takes self-confidence. Stylish people have a good sense of themselves, they know what’s right and wrong for them. They also choose to dress in what they feel good in and what they love. A trendy person just simply follows the crowd. I have always thought of fashion in an individual way, it shows individual style + personality.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

These days you can express your style in different ways according to your mood. Seeking out designer clothes + combing the discount shops may take some time but it’s a great way to create a personal look that you will absolutely adore.

With all the options available, be brave with fashion. Everything looks good on those who believe in their style and uniqueness. Therefore, be stylish + don’t continually alter yourself with trends that keep changing every season.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

Life after the Holidays!

What is Life after the Holidays??

We get so excited for Christmas but can you really blame us? There’s Christmas music playing in every corner, social gatherings, new recipes and festive drinks to try (and I really like to try them all).

You start to think… What’s next?

For me, the holiday season often promotes reflection, just in time for the New Year. It’s a time where I start concerning myself with what potentially lies ahead, a good time to think about those pesky but often refreshing New Year’s Resolutions.

That being said, what are resolutions and why should we consider making one…or for good measure, a couple?

In my opinion, a New Year’s resolution is somewhat of a tradition. I’m on a pursuit to find a trait or a behaviour that I wish to tweak and aim to accomplish a goal in the hopes of refining my outlook and positon in life. Somewhere along the way I read that people have been on these pursuits since 153 B.C. At this point, I have to think to myself… if it’s been going on this long, I best carrying on the custom and make a New Year’s Resolution.

Some people make a pinky promise, some aim to kick a bad habit, like quitting smoking or eating less junk food. Other’s make promises to develop positive lifestyles and start a diet or exercise program. Some decide to work on themselves by reflecting, reading and writing. However, According to U.S. News, “roughly 80 per cent of Americans give up on their resolutions by the second week of February.” (2017).

Myself, I don’t necessarily wholeheartedly believe in New Year’s Resolutions. The goals I make are a lifestyle change that I am committed to even if it’s not January 1st. Although, this time of year allows me to be more mindful, I make an attempt at goal making throughout the year as my life changes from day to day. I do a little tweaking (per say) to make positive change and ultimately aim to make a better life for me and my family. An ongoing personal goal for me is to continue “Doin Work” at the gym. It’s my way of staying sane and at the same time, a chance to work on me. The last couple of months have been full of commitments and obligations that I have made to others; I found it challenging to make it through those gym doors. Although everyday life can get in the way of accomplishing your personal goals, it’s important to always take the time to rewind, reflect and regain focus.

Resolutions can seem pretty meaningless to some people, and that’s ok. Nevertheless, there are quite a few benefits to making them, like, self-reflection and positive change!

To promote positive change in your life, the foundation is undoubtedly self-love. To be better for others, it’s essential that I am a better for me. The relationship I have with myself is the foundation to the life I live. Practicing self-love is not something I always do consciously; sometimes it’s as simple as reflecting on a situation and identifying myself in it and how I reacted. Another way is being mindful of how I think. What’s driving a situation and is this mindset stopping me from living my best possible life. It is in these times that I push aside the negativity that sometimes surrounds me and look for things that I am grateful for… Like caramel macchiatos and pedicures. Totally kidding, although I am grateful for the simple pleasures that life has to offer, I take a look at my life experiences (both positive and negative) and examine how they shaped me… I am truly grateful for that!

This year, my focus is myself, my family and close friends. It’s my own personal belief that these people are made up of a select few who will do anything for you, never judge you, and love you unconditionally. When it comes down to it, it’s these select few that will support you in whatever path you wish to take.

As the old saying goes, “you only live once” so grab a hold of life and do you!

If you want to treat yo’ self or someone else, I’m pretty confident that one or all of these products on my list will be sure to.

This list is my go-to for everything style and beauty.

Number One:

“A girl should be two things, classy & fabulous.” Coco Chanel

I have a large collection of perfumes, but in truth, this is one of my signature scents. It is the true definition of a classic and timeless scent, and highly recommend this perfume in anyone’s collection.

It is a perfect mix of sultry and femininity. EVERY woman should at least try it on once. You wont be disappointed.

Number Two:

You’ve guessed it, I literally stole my daughters popsocket. I love it’s functionality, it helps me get a grip when I’m typing and can be used as a stand. Great little gift plus they have a ton of cool designs to choose from. You can purchase these at Walmart, Homesense, Winners & As seen on TV.

Number Three:

It’s DA BOMB!! No really, it’s bomb, bath bomb that is, from Lush cosmetics. Get ready to soak your bod in a luxurious bath, full of essential oils and fizzy fun.

Take a stroll through this store, your senses will thank you. Fizz away my friends.

Number Four:

Cold weather + dish pan hands = dry hands.

I recently received a sample of Aveda Hand Relief from my friend Connie and now I’m obsessed. Thank you Connie, for having my hands, get it!

It goes on smooth, its not watery or greasy, plus its smells like you’ve just been to the spa.

Number Five:

Call me crazy, but coffee is life! I purchased the Hudson’s Bay signature mug. I was always looking for a perfect sized cup for my morning coffee. There’s something classic about Hudson’s bay signature line from their mugs to cozy striped blankets. Love it!

Number Six:

MY LIFE LINE – My big badass Agenda book from Michael’s. This is my life, in one book. I have a place to write my kids schedules, my cakes, appointments and such. These agendas come with monthly quotes, note sections and stylish covers. Don’t forget to go to michaels.com and download their coupon for either 40 or 50% off.

Number Seven:

The Truth, I’ll give you the truth. Can you handle the truth? The truth is, the Truth Serum by Olehenriksen, is the best! It is a supercharged mulit-vitamin for your skin. It will brighten your skin and your spirits. A win win bought at Sephora, its one of their best sellers for a reason.

Number Eight:

You smell good, you have a good grip on your phone, you’re cozy while drinking hot cocoa, your hands are soft with a bright face and your agenda is on point. What’s next you ask? Your lips. Your lips need some rescue from this winter weather. Tarte quench lip rescue is here to stay. Not only will it smooth your lips, but it will also add a beautiful transparent shade.

The packing is so cute too. Pucker up!

Number Nine:

Let’er Shine! Mac has come out with their Holiday collection and it’s fabulous! I love their Whisper of Gilt Skinfinish, it highlights the perfect amount on your face. I bought mine at Hudson’s Bay Limeridge MAC cosmetics.

Number Ten:

I saved the best for last. My absolute all time favorite gift for ALL OF THE TIME….The fab fit fun box. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, can you say yes please! It’s jam packed with full size products, mugs, scarves, notebooks, jewelry and so much more. Its a yearly membership that comes seasonally straight to your door. THIS IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE. I literally tell everyone how wonderful these boxes are, don’t be shy, get the plan.

I hope you enjoyed reading my fav top ten. If you buy or have any of these products and love them as much as I do, drop me a comment. I would love to hear from you.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

Tis the season….

If your looking for a taste of Europe over the Christmas holidays, the Toronto Christmas Market has done a fabulous job of bringing a little European flair into the big city. Be prepared to be immersed in a unique cultural intimate affair with many international artisans and world class vendors.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

Amongst the hussle and bussle of the holiday season, tucked away in the distillery district, lies rows of cute street vendors and local shops. You can find anything from homemade beauty products to Canadian made fleece onezies.

Make sure to stop in at the Katoffel Hauz, for their homemade one of a kind tornado potato on a stick. They are delicious.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

Once you had a bite, take a walk into an industrial earthy environment of The Abnormal beauty company. Their products are of exceptional quality, focusing on the simplicity of beauty all while not breaking the bank. Not to mention, the smell in that place, is to die for.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

Today was the perfect day to visit the Market, It truly felt like Christmas. Walking down each cobblestone street, hot apple cider in hand as the snow fell slowly. It seemed as though everyone was in the Christmas spirit. A magical day well spent with my best friend Heidi.

Photos by Heidi Stadlinger Photography

If your looking for a special day out, I would highly recommend visiting the Toronto Christmas Market.